Random encounter tables are a great resource for Game Masters. Whether you’re preparing for a game session or scrambling when players take an adventure in an unexpected direction, tables and charts can provide the solution.
Mixing and matching different elements from encounter tables can further customize these scenarios. The following idea combines the concepts of a circle of standing stones, a skeletal ferry captain and floating earth motes from one such random table.
Next, it’s important to note the special abilities of monsters or NPCs and pay special attention to any flavor text too. When all the pieces fall into place you can really have an encounter with depth. The intent is to give your players something unusual and thought provoking.
Now your encounter creates a moment for players to ask more questions than receive answers. They’ll struggle with how to proceed socially and may even have moral or ethical questions, adding depth to the character dynamic.
That’s the basis for this encounter. You might even use something like this to start an adventure or expose a character’s background elements. How you fully utilize it is up to you.
Encounter Type: Combat and social
Map: Island encounter map
Lighting: None (flat battle map.)
System: 5E
Length: One shot
Installation Type: Addon
License: Roll20 End User License Agreement
(Personal Use Only, Do Not Distribute)